Eve Krot a member of the Research Staff of the Florida Marine Research Institute addressed Seacamp on the topic of ďAdventures in Marine Biology on the evening of June 27, 2003. She can trace her Seacamp lineage back to her days as a student at Indian Trails Middle School in Winter Springs, Florida when she attended the Newfound Harbor Marine Institute at Seacamp. Today she is active as a researcher conducting Intercept Surveys to study the impact of recreational fishing on the reef fish of the Florida Keys.

She is an avid reader, and spends much of her time reading about the field of marine science. Eve is a graduate of Eckerd College, located in St. Petersburg, Florida where she earned a degree in Marine Biology. Before coming back to the Keys to work, she was in Alaska where she did contract research for commercial sampling in the Bering Sea and Gulf of Alaska for Saltwater, Inc. Her personal research interests include: bioluminescence, hydrothermal vents, fish life cycles and fish habitats.

What is the most important aspect of my job?†
The most important aspect of my job is gathering accurate data. The survey is the primary source of recreational fishing data for the National Marine Fisheries Serves, the State of Florida, as well as other research for individual species and populations.†

Why is it important for recreational fisherman to understand the importance of the Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistic Survey and my role?†
Millions of saltwater anglers make fishing trips each year and the survey I conduct demonstrates part of the impact on the resources of the Florida Keys. Some additional surveys including some phone and mail surveys also demonstrate the social and economic impact of fishing. I also educate the public about fishing and the science behind the survey as well as answer any questions they might have.†

How did I get involved with Seacamp?†
In the 8th grade, my parents were not really convinced that I wanted to go into marine biology. Who wants to be around smelly fish, hanging around saltwater, and being slimy all the time? It may not be my parents idea of fun, but I have always loved the ocean and everything about it. I grew up by the New Jersey shore and was awed and fascinated by the waves, jellyfish, and other critters.†

How did I get involved with Florida Marine Research Institute?†
I went to school at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, FL. I had known about FMRI since that time. After a short contract in the Alaska Pacific Groundfish Observer Program, I learned about various aspects in data collection regarding fisheries. I had applied for several positions at FMRI as well as other positions in the State of Florida. I was qualified, the job fit my personality, and I had a phone interview. It was a great blessing getting this job in the Keys.†

What do l like best about my role?†
I love driving up and down the Keys looking left seeing the ocean and then right seeing the 'ocean. I never seem to tire of looking out over the sea. I even like the cloudy days and the many facets of island living.†

What advice would you have for someone considering marine science?†
Read as much on the subject as you can. You can always find something about the ocean to study. Be sure to practice typing or take a course so you can keep up with all the computer stuff that goes along with writing papers, doing reports, using Excel, and other presentations.†

What advice would you have for someone considering marine biology?†
Don't be discouraged when your family, friends, and teachers say there are no jobs in marine biology. Agricultural Assistant, Biological Scientist I. Biologist, Bioscientist, Environmental Planner, Environmental Specialist I, Field Research Assistant, Field Technician, Fish & Wildlife Technician, Fisheries Biologist, Intern, Island Naturalist, Laboratory, Manager, Marine Science Technician, Natural Resources Biologist I, Nesting Ecology Researcher, Oceanographer, Production Assistant for a Fish Hatchery , Park Ranger, Research Assistant, Wildlife Biologist, as well as many other titles of positions are out there with a person who has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marine Biology.†

Why is it important to identify fish correctly?†
There are some rules involving fish and if the FWC Marine Patrol catches you with a short/undersized or prohibited fish then you can get in trouble. Fines and being arrested are not very pleasant.†

What advice would you have for the young people of today going out into the world?†
Wherever you are in life, keep a good attitude. People are more willing to listen and help you with a good attitude.†

How do you feel you have impacted Seacamp?†
When two young ladies came up quoting my philosophy of life, I knew I had made an impact and people were willing to learn from my life experience. "You really don't know until you go..." is some great advice and should encourage you to take that risk or try a new experience or visit a far of place. I think Theodore Roosevelt was right when he said, "It is far better to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to take rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy much nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory, nor defeat."†